The Chen Melbourne - Art Series

This hotel offers a distinctive stay, characterized by its artistic ambiance and a rooftop pool that provides impressive views, making it a memorable choice for guests. Its prime location adjacent to a major shopping center and public transport hubs is a significant draw, appealing to a diverse range of travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking spacious accommodations and convenient access to amenities, as well as business travelers due to its proximity to local hospitals and transport links. Sightseers and explorers will find it an excellent base for navigating the city and enjoying local culinary delights. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to clarify the hotel's parking procedures upon arrival, as this can sometimes be confusing, and be aware that housekeeping services are typically provided upon request.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop pool that is often praised for its size, cleanliness, and the panoramic views it offers, with some guests noting it is heated. A well-equipped gym is also available for guest use. Many rooms include a convenient kitchenette with a sink, toaster, crockery, and glasses, which is particularly useful for longer stays, though some guests noted the absence of a microwave. While Wi-Fi is generally reliable, a recurring concern among guests is the performance of the lifts, which are shared with residential apartments in the building, leading to frequent delays and long wait times. The hotel also provides self-service laundry facilities, and the artwork displayed throughout the property is frequently appreciated by visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, with comfortable beds ensuring a restful sleep. However, a notable number of reviews highlighted issues such as dusty surfaces, dirty mirrors, uncleaned carpets, and mold in the bathroom grout. Some bathrooms were described as tiny, with shower doors that allowed water to leak onto the floor. While some rooms are considered spacious, others were found to be small. Noise levels varied, with some guests experiencing quiet stays, while others reported disturbances from street traffic, air conditioning, or banging doors. In-room amenities like coffee pods were sometimes insufficient, and the TV system was occasionally problematic, lacking smart TV capabilities or streaming options.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not consistently offer breakfast on-site, though a cafe in the lobby provides options, which some guests found to be on the pricier side. However, the hotel's location provides excellent access to a wide array of restaurants nearby, particularly a rich selection of Asian eateries. The Korean BBQ located within the complex is frequently recommended by guests for its quality and convenience. While there is no dedicated room service, the abundance of local dining choices ensures guests have plenty of options for meals. The presence of a cafe within the hotel building is appreciated for quick bites and coffee.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated directly next to Box Hill Central, a major shopping center. This provides guests with immediate access to numerous shops, supermarkets, and a vast selection of Asian eateries. Its proximity to the train station and tram stop makes it highly accessible via public transport, offering convenient connections to the city and other areas. The Epworth Hospital is also within easy walking distance, making it suitable for those visiting for medical reasons. While the walkability to amenities is a significant advantage, parking is a frequently mentioned challenge, often described as limited, confusing to access, and prone to being full, despite some guests finding it reasonably priced, especially for members.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receive high praise for their helpfulness, welcoming demeanor, and attentiveness. Guests appreciate their quick responses to requests, such as fixing a non-working TV or providing an iron. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. However, housekeeping services are a point of mixed feedback; they are typically provided only upon request, often before a specific time, and some guests reported inconsistencies in the quality of cleaning or replenishment of supplies. Despite this, the staff's willingness to assist with issues like parking directions and providing welcome gifts for loyalty members is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect of their service.

Additional Information
The hotel operates within a hotel/residential mix building, meaning guests share facilities like lifts with permanent residents, which can sometimes lead to congestion. Guests who are Accor member benefits often receive perks such as welcome drinks and discounted parking, which are well-received. There have been instances of confusion regarding the security deposit policy, with some guests finding it unclear at booking. The hotel features distinctive artwork throughout the property, contributing to its unique aesthetic. While some rooms are equipped with specific, high-quality toiletries, guests occasionally noted a lack of standard amenities like toothbrushes or slippers unless specifically requested, and some preferred to request mugs for their in-room beverages.